The 6 Cheapest Places In The World For Digital Nomads To Live And Work
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The world's job industries have been reinvented as a result of the recent increase in internet access on a worldwide scale. We are no longer confined to offices or even cities.
The only restrictions for digital nomads (DNs) are their own creativity and work ethic. Writing, graphic design, bookkeeping, photography, marketing, advertising, social media management, and a host of other activities may all be done online to earn a solid career.
A Digital Nomad's Life
But working as a DN is so much more than simply a means of support; it's a way of life. We like our independence and don't have to worry about office politics, clothing codes, working hours, or even working days.
We have the option to take a Monday off to go surfing or to a museum. Fixed schedules are meaningless as long as the task is completed. Additionally, individuals might take use of a time difference to their advantage because it is common for employers and employees to operate in separate time zones.
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A lot of occupations have been untethered as a result of global connectedness. No matter what we do, many of us may today pursue an international lifestyle and career from anywhere in the globe as long as we have internet connection.
Of course, you shouldn't limit your search to internet speed. Another aspect to consider is the cost of living. There are many of affordable locations to live worldwide. However, many don't provide the infrastructure and services required to support an online work environment or a cozy home life.
How therefore can we digital nomads go about locating a new place to call home that meets our requirements, namely a respectable infrastructure and an appealing way of life at a price that isn't too steep?
Best Places For A Digital Nomad To Live
The top locations for digital nomads have a few characteristics... Naturally, having a quick and reliable internet connection is essential. For the majority, the top factors are affordable housing, cultural attractions, pleasant weather (whatever that means to you), and the availability of coworking spaces.
The following locations for digital nomads provide a good quality of life that is comparable to or better than "back home," and more significantly, they provide the infrastructure required for a DN to do their work without delay.
Portugal
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| Lisbon, Portugal. Credit: Source |
Most European countries have not yet developed into actual havens for digital nomads due to the high cost of living. Although there is good internet, gorgeous architecture, and a lively nightlife, the prices have deterred nomads.
Portugal, however, deviates from the norm. The nation successfully combines a great Old World lifestyle with a low cost of living. This city is increasingly becoming into a DN refuge thanks to its rich history, stunning architecture, mouthwatering Mediterranean food, and speedy internet.
Particularly in Lisbon, there is a vibrant nomad scene and several busy co-working places (many of which offer the first day free). Here, a simple yet decent lifestyle costs roughly $1,500 per month. You could live fairly comfortably if you had an additional $500 each month.
Restaurants are reasonably priced, and fresh seafood is readily available all year round. You may have breakfast by purchasing the renowned pasteis de nata (a custard pastry) for one euro and a coffee for less than 60 cents.
Apartments for rent may be obtained for less than 500 euros per month, but alternative housing is gradually gaining acceptance across Portugal. Islhas is an idea that Porto, a city in the north, has developed (islands).
The little buildings in a courtyard are referred to as palacetes, or house palaces, and they all share the same main entry door, which is often near the back of the group of dwellings. These are really cheap, sometimes costing only a few hundred euros per month.
Lisbon is known for having one of the nicest climates in all of Europe. The "White City" has more hours of sunshine than the majority of the other major cities in Europe, and if it gets too hot, an Atlantic wind will keep things cool. Wintertime temperatures drop but are still moderate.
Lisbon has a never-ending supply of things to do. There are eateries to be found on every calm street, a lively cultural environment with theaters and opera houses all across the city, live music wacky bars historical markers
Nomads may make the most of their downtime because there are beaches near to the city core.
Colombia
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Digital nomads were a significant portion of the first wave of international visitors to Colombia who came to discover life in this misunderstood country after its deadly history was committed to history.
The majority of DNs have made Bogotá and Medelln their home since these cities have a wealth of cultural activities, pubs, and eateries, as well as reliable internet access. Additionally, each of them has top-notch public transportation choices, making it simple for visitors to move around.
Both cities have a large biking population, although Bogotá has more bike lanes specifically for commuting.
The majority of nomads reside in the Medellin neighborhoods of El Poblado and Ciudad de Rio, which is the more populated of the two. El Poblado is a favorite with visitors and expats, but it's also one of the city's most costly neighborhoods.
Cuidad de Rio is near to El Poblado, although it is less expensive and has fewer foreigners living there yet. Although Laureles and Estadio, two developing areas in west Medelln, are swiftly growing in popularity among international visitors as alternatives, local prices haven't yet kept up.
Depending on how upmarket you want to go, a dish of meals in Medelln or Bogotá will cost you anything from $4 to $20. And if you're ready to pay more, some of the hip restaurants here can make you believe you're in Manhattan. But regardless of your budget, the cuisine is consistently top-notch.
One-bedroom rentals in more affluent areas start at around $650 per month, however less foreigner-populated areas provide more affordable possibilities. It is recommended to negotiate.
Additionally, despite Colombia's thriving economy, your money will go a long way in this nation due to the strong U.S. dollar at the present. A reasonable spending limit for any major city in Colombia should be around $1,500.
Try Cali, Colombia's third-largest city and the world's salsa capital, if you want an even more genuine and rural experience. This is a city that is mostly populated by locals; not many visitors visit there.
Cali boasts a sophisticated, well-organized public transportation system. Numerous low-cost buses and cable cars are incorporated into the current network.
West Cali has the finest quality of life. There are several of the nicest communities in this area, as well as a wide range of apartment pricing.
However, Cali isn't for everyone because there aren't nearly as many things to do as there are in Medelln or Bogotá and because there aren't many foreigners to socialize with here.
Mexico
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Mexico City was one of the most popular destinations for DNs at the start of the internet revolution. Although it was early to develop a dependable internet connection, there are now very few locations in Mexico that do not provide a high-speed connection.
In spite of this, Mexico City remains one of the best possibilities in this enormous nation. It's simple to start a business since there are many air-conditioned co-working spaces that you can quickly hire and almost every coffee shop offers free Wi-Fi. Bring your laptop to the local coffee shops and you'll be in excellent company.
Mexico may be quite inexpensive, but Mexico City is one of the priciest cities to live. Two-bedroom apartments may be found in smaller locations for as little as $350 a month, although Mexico City is more likely to start at $1,000.
This is nevertheless affordable for a significant global city. Alcohol is affordable, as are groceries and dining out. Taxis and public transportation won't break the bank either.
In the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, consider Durango for a destination that is genuinely off the main road. You can enjoy true Mexican life—and authentic Mexican prices—in this peaceful university town with well-preserved architecture since it isn't well-known to foreigners.
In addition to offering private instruction, the aforementioned great American school also functions as a gathering place for other foreigners.
You shouldn't be shocked if you get a sensation of déjà vu when wandering about the city because many western movies have been made there.
Mexico, like Colombia, continues to get unfavorable news coverage. The news networks frequently report on travel advisories and horror stories. Keep in mind that there are undesirable locations worldwide, with some of the worst being found in the United States.
You will be just as safe in Mexico as you are in the United States if you aren't participating in drug trafficking. By conversing with locals or conducting some simple web research, you may quickly learn which regions you should stay away from.
Vietnam
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| Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City. Credit: Source |
Many young Vietnamese people are excited about their possibilities in this expanding economy and have a forward-thinking attitude. Many people want to learn English since it is a language that younger generations are using more and more.
The tiny, welcoming town of Koh Phangan welcomes DNs if you want a calm and relaxing setting. Beachub is the name of the nomadic settlement where you may put up your laptop just steps from the ocean.
Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling, loud city where there is constantly activity and something new to see or do. But as a result, there isn't the same sense of community here as there is everywhere in Vietnam. Local freelancers are the focus of certain co-working facilities.
For DNs, Vietnam is undoubtedly among the least expensive places. For $700 a month, you may rent a luxurious apartment, or you can look about for a somewhat less extravagant location for as low as $300. The majority of flats come furnished, and it's simple to locate rental homes on the street.
Numerous nomads rent motorcycles (for roughly $70 per month), as it is the most effective method to navigate the congested roads.
Cheap and excellent street food is available. A food truck lunch will cost you around $2, while a dinner at a restaurant will cost you less than $5 per dish. You can have exquisite dining for as low as $30 per person.
There are plenty of nomads dispersed around this nation, but you won't run into them as frequently as you may in some other havens. Check message boards and meetup groups if you're interested in connecting with other nomads.
There are many shared workspaces in Saigon, but in smaller cities and villages, different arrangements must be made. Da Nang is an excellent alternative as well. You won't be the only foreigner in this popular tourist area with its rapidly expanding infrastructure, robust business community, and international airport.
It would be difficult to grow bored here with the area's abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and kilometers of gorgeous beaches.
Thailand
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| Chiang Mai Temple. Credit: Source |
Thailand has become a popular destination for expats in recent years because to its legendary low cost of living and tropical climate, and DNs are increasingly joining the trend.
In the majority of Thailand, there is good internet access. If you live in a major city, you may easily work from a variety of locations. The majority of the city's cafes and eateries provide free Wi-Fi.
Additionally, the Thai government is positioned the country to lead the DN revolution. A Smart Visa that allows nomads to remain for up to four years was launched in 2018.
Thailand's costs are comparable to those in Vietnam. For a furnished flat in a secure neighborhood, budget $300. Similar to Vietnam, there is great street cuisine here that is both diverse and affordable.
You can get practically any meal from a food vendor for $2. A nice meal at a restaurant costs less than $15 per person. There are more expensive ones that are more posh.
There is something for everyone in Thailand. You may easily locate tranquil villages and cities despite the fact that places like Pa Tong draw throngs of tourists (and all that comes with them).
Chiang Mai often ranks at the top of lists of the best DN sites, although many major towns have co-working spaces that offer dependable internet and a welcoming, laid-back environment.
Chiang Mai is one of the more upmarket cities here, yet it isn't as inexpensive as the internet may lead you to assume. Although there is a high level of life, you may get by on $1,500 or less each month.
Compared to other major cities in the nation, the city has a more laid-back vibe; even the traffic appears less chaotic. Additionally, the city is safer, pickpockets are less common, and there is less of the drunken criminality you find in other Thai cities.
Indonesia
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| Ubud, Bali rice fields Credit: Source |
Bali in particular is the most well-known DN destination in the world, followed by Indonesia. While most coffee shops and hostels provide (somewhat sluggish) Wi-Fi, homes and coworking spaces typically have fiber-optic bandwidth.
There is a lot to see and do in Bali. From calm waves for novices to the reef breaks where the pros hang out, the beaches are a surfer's paradise.
There are many exciting pubs and nightclubs on the west coast thanks to the vibrant nightlife here. Additionally, there are a ton of diverse dining alternatives, including several vegan and healthy ones, making this a heaven for foodies.
Bali has a lengthy spiritual tradition. Its well-kept temples are frequently deserted and provide for a peaceful day. Strong Buddhist traditions offer Indonesia a tranquil atmosphere.
One of the top 10 coworking spaces in the world is in Ubud, Bali. This high-end choice promotes social activity and volunteering as a means to give back to the neighborhood. It also offers co-working and co-living spaces. About $220 is spent on 100 hours each month.
Bali may be extremely inexpensive, but a lot of the pricing are set to attract visitors, so you must take the effort to find establishments that offer local prices for everything from lodging to food.
A two-bedroom house with a pool may be rented for less than $900 per month; a simpler two-bedroom house costs around $300 per month. Guesthouse prices vary, but you should prepare to spend about $30 per night.
Supermarkets sell foreign items along with other necessities, while marketplaces have the freshest fresh vegetables. Set an alarm because they open at 4 a.m. and typically cease selling fresh vegetables after 6 a.m. in favor of selling trinkets and souvenirs.
The coffee from Indonesia is also really good. It powers most of the island's nomadic output since it is affordable and fresh.
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